Where's Kelley?

  

Office space I made under the storage area at the Church.  Hours of sorting and cleaning, but it was well worth it!

  Did you ever search for Waldo in the 'Where’s Waldo?' books?  My daughter always thought those were so fun when she was younger, and we had one book that was a constant companion in our van for years, entertaining the kids as we put more miles on our vehicles than I care to share.

   Lately, I’ve had it asked of me several times, “So where are you now?”  and also, “Did you sell your house?”  When asked for my address lately, I’m not really sure what to give either.  So here’s the run down of where I am at the time of this writing. (Jan 12, 2016)

   I’m house-sitting for someone up in Kenmare (actually Tolley) and that’s where I’m at most of the time.  I’ve put a lot of miles on my vehicle in the last couple of months going back and forth between Kenmare and Bismarck, where, yes, I still own my home.  I did pull it from the market for right now, and 15 minutes after I pulled it off the market had a full asking price offer, but I turned it down.  My boys especially were wanting me to wait and not rush into anything.  The offer to house sit opened up right after that. I’m staying in a beautiful new farm home, enjoying wonderful sunrises, and the peace and quiet of the country. Quite a bit quieter after living between Century Avenue and I-94 for the last 2 1/2 years.  

    Quito has been with me the last month.  I’m sure we’re the only church in the state that has a dog in every service. So far so good.  He actually seems to have his own ‘ministry’ and often goes up to someone who is hurting, and lays his head in their lap.  So far everyone has been ok with it.  The first Sunday in church, I thought he might be bothering someone, and I said to him, “Quito. Come. Sit. Stay.”  He came and sat at my feet as I began to preach.  I looked at everyone then said, “I bet that’s not the normal words out of a pastors mouth on a Sunday morning, but maybe it should be.”  Everyone had a chuckle on that one.  Maybe more of us need to “Come, Sit and Stay” especially at the feet of Jesus.

    For now, since I don’t have an address here, I’m using the Church’s PO Box for an address.  But then again, everyone living in Kenmare has a PO Box, as there is no home delivery available within city limits.  

    I’ve been very busy adjusting to the life of a pastor.  Which not only involves learning to hear from God and give a sermon, but how to mop floors and scrub toilets, which I am already quite skilled at, having years of training in that area.  It’s listening to people pour out their hurts and pains, and you just want to cry with them, but also give them hope that through Christ there is an answer.  

   So through all the adjustments and even the constant traveling back and forth, and not living in my own home, I have to say, Life is good, cause God is good!  I’m still in a time of ‘living limbo’ but I know that too is also temporary.  

   If you can’t find me, just look for Quito, I’m sure I’m close by.